Heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms hit the Macedonian capital of Skopje in the night between Saturday and Sunday. Officials have declared a state of emergency for the most affected areas. Top officials called a violent rainstorm a “water bomb”.
The floods destroyed hundreds of homes and vehicles and roads are still impassable. Several areas remain without electricity. Witnesses described that victims drowned after being trapped in their houses when the torrents suddenly swept through the area.
Police and army helicopters continue searching for missing people and helping to evacuate hundreds from the flooded area.